Zebulon Montgomery Pike Jr.

Zebulon “Monty” Pike, 97, died Sunday, October 20 at Columbine Manor Care Center where he had been a resident since June of 2018. He was born May 6, 1922 in Golden to Zebulon Monty Pike Sr. and Marian Emily (Dennis) Pike and had three brothers. Growing up in Golden he attended schools there and graduated from the University of Denver in 1948 with a degree in business administration. A U.S. Army veteran, he served under General George Patton during World War 2 in France, Germany and Czechoslovakia,attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He served in a Headquarters Company Intelligence and reconnaissance platoon and during his military years earned numerous medals. His platoon got into Germany at the end of the Battle of the Bulge in 1945 and released prisoners from Stalag 14. He returned stateside on New Year’s Eve, 1945 and 24 days later married Grace Fisher in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. They celebrated their 73rd anniversary this year. Back home in Golden, Colorado, he joined the National Guard and was ordered into active duty in August of 1950 and sent to Korea. He retired from the National Guard at age 64 in 1985 with the rank of Captain. He was manager of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, worked at Rocky Mountain Bank in Lakewood, Silver States Savings& Loan and most recently for Encyclopedia Britannica from which he retired in 1987. He and Grace, moved to Salida in 1984. He was especially proud of his ancestor, Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike, the explorer, who passed through the Chaffee County area and spent Christmas of 1806 in the area. An interpretive panel on U.S. 285 tells the story of that encampment. In 2006, on the 200th anniversary of Pikes expedition, he attended many events commemorating his famous ancestor. He was a member of Masonic Lodges in Golden and Salida, a member of Colorado Consistory 32nd degree, Al Kaly Shrine of Pueblo, American Legion Post 64 in Salida and Salida Elks Lodge #808. He and Grace especially enjoyed traveling in their motor home from 1986 until 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. He is survived by his wife and many nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers contributions should be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2 at Temple Baptist Church. His cremains will be interred in Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Arrangements are with Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at lewisandglenn.com.

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